AIChE to Lead New $140M Manufacturing USA Institute

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) will lead a Federally-funded institute to research ways to reduce energy use in chemical processing, Acting Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy David Friedman announced at the U.S. Council on Competitiveness’ 2016 National Competitiveness Forum.

“The new Institute will leverage approaches to modular chemical process intensification — like combining multiple, complex processes such as mixing, reaction, and separation into single steps — with the goal of improving energy productivity and efficiency, cutting operating costs, and reducing waste. In the chemical industry alone, these technologies have the potential to save more than $9 billion in process costs annually,” a Department of Energy press release said.

The RAPID institute will examine approaches to modular chemical process intensification, including the development of new technologies offering energy savings through maximizing processes at the molecular level.

“Our investment in this cross-cutting technology is an investment in the future of U.S. manufacturing,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Friedman. “As we expand the Manufacturing USA network, we provide greater opportunities for businesses of all sizes to solve their toughest technology challenges and unleash major savings in energy-intensive sectors like oil and gas, pulp and paper-making and other industries.”

The new effort, known as the Rapid Advancement in Process Intensification Deployment (RAPID) Institute, is slated to receive $70 million in federal funding in addition to $70 million in private cost-share commitments.

For more information, visit Manfacturing.gov

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